Simeone defends early exit as Alvarez faces boos at Metropolitano

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has said the club was responsible for Julian Alvarez walking off the pitch at full-time following Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Villarreal at the Metropolitano.

The Argentinian came on in the 66th minute to replace goalscorer Marc Pubill and was jeered throughout his brief appearance. Cameras caught Alvarez making a quick exit while teammates applauded home supporters after Giuliano Simeone’s close-range finish salvaged a point for 10-man Atletico.

Club decision to separate forward from crowd

When asked about the walk-off, Simeone explained: "The people at the club told me that the club decided not to approach the stands and its people. The decision was made by the club to move him away and separate him so that he can come to the dressing room."

Alvarez had just 12 touches in his cameo, registering one shot and creating one goalscoring opportunity. He signed for Atletico in 2024 and has been strongly linked with a summer exit, with Barcelona and Real Madrid reported to have made approaches while Arsenal have also been credited with interest.

Asked if there was anything to be concerned about regarding Alvarez’s behaviour, Simeone responded: "I am not going to answer all of Julian’s questions. I understand the concern and we can talk about what happened in the match."

Match reaction and call for unity

Simeone called for unity after the point, saying: "I think I was pretty clear, we need to be together. When we did we were able to opt for important things. We need strikers. We have it and we have to take care of it."

Atletico took the lead through Pubill’s curling strike in the 59th minute before Gerard Moreno levelled from the penalty spot seven minutes later. Robin Le Normand was sent off for bringing down Georges Mikautadze inside the area, with the Georgia international converting.

Atletico pushed on and were rewarded in the 85th minute when Alex Baena’s assist allowed Giuliano Simeone to slot past Luiz Junior. Simeone added: "Analysis of the fact that at all times the team controlled the game, showed an important face defensively, working quite well despite Oblak’s saves. Against a team with important players offensively, great counter-attackers, we took charge of the game that had to be played."

"In the second half we grew and improved with the changes, we took the lead with a great goal from Pubill, and we lacked better management of that time that was ahead. I’m not going to dwell on the penalties, regardless of whether or not they were already whistled. We didn’t manage those match times well and we had to make an incredible effort."

The coach praised his substitutes, noting: "The boys who came later are in a different recovery time. Giuliano was incredible, Pubill too, [Alex] Grimaldo played the 90 minutes. I like the team we have, we have to be all together and if we keep it, God can give us a title."